Ocean Life Fishing Charters

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is owned and operated by Donavan out of Simonstown, Cape Town. Come and spend a memorable day fishing in and around False Bay, at the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We offer a wide variety of trips, all tailored to meet your needs and specifications.

Their charter vessel is a 2017 model 28’ Carry Cat powered by twin 130 HP Yamaha engines and running the latest Garmin electronics to get you straight out to the fish! Safety onboard is paramount and all equipment is certified and maintained to the highest standard!

Ocean Life Fishing Charters accommodate anglers of all skill levels and all charters come along with top class tackle, lures and the freshest baits available! Inshore, we focus on catching game species like Yellowtail Kingfish, Cape Snoek, and Bonitos. You can also try reef fishing for Red Roman, Cape Bream, Kob, Rockfish and various other delicious food fish.

Offshore, we offer full day trips fishing one of the best Yellowfin Tuna grounds in the world. Other species encountered are Longfin/Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and Dorado/Mahi Mahi.

Ocean Life Fishing Charters is environmentally friendly and they try to tag and release fish whenever possible for the South African Oceanographic Research Institute. You have the option to keep your catch, which they will clean for you, or to tag and release it for research purposes and to be notified once recaptured.

Your Skipper and crew have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm that will educate and entertain you throughout your trip. While out on your adventure, you will get to see the diverse marine life that Cape Town has to offer like whales, dolphins, penguins and various Shark species.

Please note that a local fishing permit is required for all anglers onboard. These can be organized by the captain by prior arrangement at a small additional fee.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip - Sunset Squid & Reef
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $423
    We will remain around Simonstown and catch squid with the option of also catching some Red and Reef fish nearby. A Braai/Barbeque can also be prepared by prior arrangement. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $555
    You will be targeting various inshore species like Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito and various reef species around Cape Point or heading towards Seal Island to target various Red and Reef fish, Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon and Elf/Bluefish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience. Spear-fishers bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Jigging
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
    US $555
    For those wanting to sleep in while on holiday. You will be targeting various inshore species like Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito, and various reef species around Cape Point. You can also head out towards Seal Island to target various reef fish, Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon and Elf/Bluefish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Jigging
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip - Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $687
    Spend a full eight hours fishing for Yellowtail, Cape Snoek/Barracouta, Bonito and various reef species around Cape Point. Otherwise, head out to Seal Island to catch various Kob, Yellowtail, Cape Salmon, Elf/Bluefish, and various redfish. We can accommodate up to 5 guests but recommend a maximum of 4 for the most comfortable experience. Spear-fishermen bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Handline
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Trip - Tuna (4 -5 MAX)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $1,031
    4 - max comfort/ 5 - max Head out past the magnificent Cape Point to the world-class Tuna grounds beyond. Target massive Yellowfin Tuna and other Tuna species like Longfin/Albacore, Bigeye, Skipjack, and Bonito, as well as Dorado/Mahi Mahi. En-route to the Tuna fishing grounds, there is also a good chance of catching Yellowtail Kingfish! We can accommodate up to 4 guests fishing but recommend 3 for the most comfort! Spearfishers bringing their own equipment can also be accommodated by prior arrangement.
    Types of fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
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FAQs about Ocean Life Fishing Charters

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • ZAR 8,000 per group - 4 Hour Trip - Sunset Squid & Reef (4 hours)
  • ZAR 10,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 10,500 per group - 6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • ZAR 13,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip - Inshore (8 hours)
  • ZAR 19,500 per group - 10 Hour Trip - Tuna (4 -5 MAX) (10 hours)

When you book a trip with Ocean Life Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS Garmin
  • Fishfinder Garmin
  • Snorkeling Equipment By prior arrangement
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Ocean Life Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Traditional handline gear also available)
  • Live Bait (When available)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (When time allows)
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Ocean Life Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Ocean Life Fishing Charters include:
  • Bluefish
  • Bonito
  • Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
  • Kob
  • Rockfish
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Snoek
  • Tuna (Albacore)
  • Tuna (Bigeye)
  • Tuna (Skipjack)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Meet the Captain

Donavan Cole
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
ID & license verified
32 Customer reviews
Response time 2 hours
Member since December 2017
Donavan is extremely passionate about fishing. Whether at work or in his spare time, his entire life has revolved around the sea. He has fished both in South Africa and abroad recreationally, commercially and as a marine fisheries scientist. Donavan absolutely loves fishing and sharing it with others! Donavan is also a registered marine and coastal tour guide specialising in False bay and the Cape Peninsula with a wealth of knowledge in the marine and coastal environment of the areas of operation.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bluefish Bluefish
Bonito Bonito
Geelbek (Cape Salmon) Geelbek (Cape Salmon)
Kob Kob

Boat specs

Carry Cat (Catamaran) originally built in 2017. Powered by 2 130HP Yamaha engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 37 knots.

Length
28 ft
Capacity
5 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Handline
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Garmin
Fishfinder
Garmin
Snorkeling Equipment
By prior arrangement
Live Bait Well
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Traditional handline gear also available
Live Bait
When available
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
When time allows
Snacks
Drinks
First Mate
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Please inform on booking to pack kids life jackets
You Keep Catch
To be distributed by captain
Catch and Release Allowed
ORI tags on board for tag and release

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

Cape Town Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 32 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (60)
Just Perfect! Highly recommended!!!
Just Perfect! Highly recommended!!!
Just Perfect! Highly recommended!!!
+57
Angler rating
30
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 32 reviews
Paul H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Spectacular day on the water!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on January 2, 2024
Donavan is an experienced and knowledgeable guide with an easy going and super friendly nature. He made this a special experience...
Paul H. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Jack H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic day out as first timers at sea fishing

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (PM) on November 23, 2023
We had a fantastic day with Don & Barry who were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and great teachers. As first...
Jack H. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Ben B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Don and his first mate, Rudolph were the best!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on November 19, 2023
From the moment we were greeted we were treated special. Don is not only a fishing enthusiast and expert at his trade but he...
Ben B. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Tobias T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Just Perfect! Highly recommended!!!

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on March 7, 2024
Donovan and his mate Armand just made this experience better than we could have imagined. We saw some incredible wildlife on...
Tobias T. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied

Douglas P.
Austin, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6Hr Inshore with Captain Donavan

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on September 1, 2023
We booked with Ocean Life Fishing Charters originally for a deep sea trip during our 5 day stay in CT. It was the low season...
Douglas P. recommends Ocean Life Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Donavan Cole Captain replied